# The Wounded Squirrel explained — The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle

> Chapter companion for The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle by Hugh Lofting.

## What happens

Tommy brings Doctor Dolittle to his home, where the Doctor impresses Tommy's parents with his flute playing before tending to an injured squirrel. The Doctor communicates with the squirrel, sets its leg with splints, and promises to send news of its family. The evening ends with the Doctor playing the flute late into the night, leaving a lasting impression on Tommy and his family.

## Themes in this chapter

### Kindness and Compassion

Doctor Dolittle shows deep care for the injured squirrel, treating its leg and arranging for news of its family to keep it cheerful.

### Communication with Animals

The Doctor chatters with the squirrel in its own language, understanding its loneliness and concerns.

### Education and Curiosity

Tommy learns from the Doctor's example of gentle animal care and the value of understanding creatures.

## Character check-ins

### Doctor Dolittle

Visits Tommy's home, plays the flute beautifully, and treats the wounded squirrel with skill and compassion.

### Tommy Stubbins

Leads the Doctor to his room to show the squirrel, observes the treatment, and reflects on the memorable evening.

### Jip

Squats on the carpet at the Doctor's feet during the flute playing.

### Polynesia

Perches on the mantelpiece, swinging her head in time to the music.

### Jacob Stubbins

Tommy's father, a cobbler, who plays the flute and is deeply impressed by the Doctor's musical talent.

### Mrs. Stubbins

Tommy's mother, who listens in awe to the Doctor's flute playing and praises him.

## Key lines

> The Doctor chattered back in the same way and the squirrel when he was lifted up to have his leg examined, appeared to be rather pleased than frightened.

The Doctor replied in the squirrel's own language, and the squirrel seemed happy rather than scared when picked up for the leg exam.

_Demonstrates the Doctor's unique ability to communicate with animals, putting them at ease._

> I often look back upon that night long, long ago. And if I close my eyes and think hard I can see that parlor just as it was then: a funny little man in coattails, with a round kind face, playing away on the flute in front of the fire...

Tommy nostalgically recalls that evening, vividly picturing the Doctor's kind face and flute playing by the fire.

_Highlights the lasting emotional impact of the Doctor's visit on Tommy._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters/part-i-vi-the-wounded-squirrel
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_voyages_of_doctor_dolittle_se/chapters